Why I’m running for Denver City Council District 8
I am running for office because too many policies are written about working families without the voices of the people who live with their consequences every day. My career has been dedicated to lifting other leaders up, serving and organizing communities, advancing practical policy solutions, and turning lived experience into effective public policy that strengthens economic stability, opportunity, affordable housing, childcare, and healthcare. I have faced housing insecurity, food insecurity and employment insecurity in our district and I know what it means to work hard just to survive. I know where the gaps are and what systems need improvement.
I have worked on nearly 100 pieces of policy for working Coloradans and believe government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and focused on removing barriers so every family has a fair chance to succeed. I am running to ensure that everyday residents-have a meaningful seat at the table when decisions about our future and our children are made.
After doing direct service in Emergency Shelters, Head Start centers, and in Home Visiting in Denver, then transitioning to 7 years of policy advocacy - I am ready to take my lived expertise and professional background into local government. I have built coalitions of working-class people who have lived expertise in the issues they face - from the Free Prison Phone Call Bill, to the first ever Department of Early Childhood to expanding Medicaid in Colorado for postpartum families. I focus on elevating the voices that are farthest from both opportunity & resources. I am here to lead with you and your family. Prior to my time in Denver, I was a Midwife and walked alongside families as they transitioned into their next phase of life as parents. For the last 15 years, I have served families and am ready to take those experiences to City Hall.
This city has given my son and I so much to be grateful for - it’s time I give back.
Our City. Our future. Onward.
Who am I?
I was born and raised in Minneapolis by a social worker and a community organizer. I am the eldest of 3 siblings and my brother has down syndrome. It is no surprise I became an organizer and policy advocate. As a teenager I worked for the Kensington Welfare Rights Union.
In my twenties I became a Certified Professional Midwife in Texas and assisted 300 births before moving to Denver in 2015 and having my own child in 2016. I have proudly walked families down the path of their own evolution and continue to as an advocate.
Since then I have worked in Emergency Shelters, Head Start Centers and as a Home Visitor before transitioning to policy advocacy 7 years ago. In those 7 years I have worked on, lobbied or supported approximately 100 pieces of policy that support Colorado working families.My specialty has been anti-poverty law, worker protection, advancing women in the workplace, family economic security and addressing institutions of power.
On and off my son’s whole life I have navigated social welfare programs while simultaneously working to improve SNAP, increase affordable housing, advance Child Care Assistance Programming, preserve HeadStart, passing Paid Family Medical Leave, expanding Medicaid (in 2021), and ensure that working families can advance in economic opportunity. I opened a small business in 2022 and am a proud small business owner.
One third of Denverites are on social programming and I represent them.
I am humble, driven and execute systems change in innovative & strategic.
All people deserve a say in their own circumstance, and that is why I am running to represent you.
Issues our district faces
Arguably one of the best districts in the city, District 8 has vastly different economic issues and disparities. The district is made up of - Central Park, parts of East Colfax, Northeast Park Hill, and parts of North Park Hill, South Park Hill, and Montbello.
Our constituents and neighbors face - rising rents, rising home prices, rising property taxes, lack of affordable housing, and displacement of longtime residents.
On our East Colfax Corridor we face the need for revitalization without displacement, business supports for those suffering from long-term construction placement.
Neighbors continue to report on violent crime, property crime, traffic safety, pedestrian safety, and safety issues along East Colfax and in Central Park.
Residents continue to be concerned about transportation and street safety which include needing safer crossings, protected bike infrastructure, and sidewalk gaps, particularly along Quebec.
As reflected in the East Area Plan neighborhood livability matters deeply to our neighbors. Residents have prioritized preserving mature trees, expanding green space, improving neighborhood parks, climate resilience, and stormwater management.
intend to continue the legacy of pushing for access to factors that support healthcare, environmental health, healthy neighborhoods, walkability, and improving outcomes for historically underserved communities.
These aren’t ‘us’ verse ‘them’ issues - they reflect the areas we need to improve if we want us all to thrive.